Lellepi Kvartal – The future quarter in historic Tartu
From Factory Grounds to Urban Living
Lellepi Quarter is a mixed-use residential and commercial development located near the heart of Tartu, behind St. Peter’s Church. Rising on the site of a former metalworks factory, the development consists of six buildings with 148 apartments and approximately 4,000 m² of commercial space.
The project combines contemporary architecture with the area’s industrial heritage, creating a cohesive and thoughtfully designed urban environment. Most parking will be located underground, allowing the courtyards to become vibrant green spaces for recreation, movement, and community life. A diverse range of homes, retail spaces, services, and offices will create a lively neighbourhood where everything needed for daily life is close at hand.
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Historic and
Inspiring location -
Thoughtful
architecture -
Diverse green
courtyards -
City centre
within easy reach -
A complete
urban quarter
Located just moments from the centre of Tartu, Lellepi Quarter brings together the convenience of urban living and the tranquillity of a green setting. On one side lies the expansive greenery of Raadi, while on the other, the vibrant rhythm of the city centre.
Excellent connections by foot, bicycle, and public transport keep everything close, while preserving a private and peaceful living environment
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4
ESTONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM
(ERM) -
6
TARTU TOWN
HALL SQUARE -
7
TARTU
KAUBAMAJA - 9 TARTU BUS STATION
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7
RIVERSIDE RESTAURANTS
ON THE EMAJÕGI
Historic spirit, contemporary form
The industrial story of Peetri 26 began in 1885, when Carl Julius Lesta established a small workshop on the site. Over time, it grew into a larger industrial complex consisting of multiple buildings. In 1918, the property was acquired by Georg and Hans Lellep, who founded the metalworks factory “G & H Lellep” — the inspiration behind the name of the development.
The factory produced tools, stove components, locks, hinges, and forged metal products. Following World War II, production resumed, and during the Soviet era the factory operated under the name “Võit”, focusing on agricultural and industrial machinery.
The factory played an important role in both Tartu’s industrial history and the development of Estonia’s engineering sector. The surrounding urban fabric evolved largely around the factory, with residential areas for workers developing alongside industrial and warehouse buildings. As a result, the area became an important part of Tartu’s industrial heritage.
The architecture of the new development draws inspiration from the spatial character and material language of the historic metalworks, carrying forward the area’s industrial identity into a contemporary urban quarter.
Phase I
- Autumn 2026 Demolition of existing buildings
- Spring 2027 Construction begins
- Autumn 2028 Completion of phase I
Our goal for Lellepi Quarter is to preserve the spirit of the historic industrial site while giving it a new identity through contemporary architecture.
Apex Architectural Bureau was founded in 2005. The team is united by a passion for architecture and extensive experience ranging from the careful preservation of heritage buildings to contemporary new developments. Every project is an opportunity to combine creativity and expertise in order to create spaces that stand the test of time and resonate across generations.
An experienced
developer
Reterra Estate is an Estonian real estate development and investment company backed by domestic capital. Our focus is on residential and commercial developments in Tallinn, Tartu, and Riga. We have repeatedly been the largest residential developer in Tartu.
In residential development, we focus on high-quality apartment buildings and collaborate with Estonia’s leading architectural practices. The result is contemporary, timeless homes that offer excellent value and retain their appeal for years to come. To date, we have delivered more than 1,000 homes.
RETERRA.EEIn commercial real estate, we help companies find workspace solutions tailored to their needs, drawing on extensive experience in projects for the IT, telecommunications, and startup sectors. Alongside office developments, we are increasingly creating retail and service spaces that contribute to vibrant and sustainable communities.
